Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Invisible Growth

How do I explain this… ah, it’s like this. My husband and I are best friends with our neighbors who have a baby boy. We see him so often that we (... haha or maybe it's just me) never quite realize how big he’s become until we see a photo of him and I exclaim in shock, “He’s grown so much!” Of course we all laugh because it’s so ironic I don’t see what is literally under my nose every single day. I guess that’s how it sometimes is with me hanging out with my senior buddies every week. I’m too close to perceive their emotional growth. But then, once in a while, I hear them read their stories out loud, especially stories about how much this class has meant to them, and silently, I exclaim in my head (because it’s sappy to say out loud) “You’ve grown so much!”

Below are a few stories that have caused some of those sappy outbursts in my head.

Loretta Gaither
7/15/10
This Helps Me

I just moved out of my home and had made arrangements for another place. When I arrived I found that I didn’t get the apartment. It is very upsetting because I was told I would have the place and now I am homeless.

I will find another place. There is a purpose for everything, for that I thank God. The storytelling class and people in this class help me to know that soon I will get another place. Coming here to the senior center helps me to stay strong. Prayer keeps me going. Writing helps me.

Robert Leung
7/15/10
A Great Fortune

Hello Everyone. Actually I don’t have too much to write or tell…
I am very fortunate that I've started coming to this class at the senior center. The people here are wonderful. I wish that I did not live too far from here, otherwise I would surely love to be here more.

I like to come here as often as I can.

Yours truly,
Robert

Linda Carr
07/29/10
The First Time I’ve Been Happy

This month is the first time I have been happy since April. I’ve been real sad because my family split up. I feel good because Carolyn is helping me find a place that I need so bad.
Also I saw my grandson, who is away, for the first time in five months. I was so happy to see him.

I am glad I came to the center. It gives me something to do. I’ll be glad when I get my own place. I never had my own place, just me alone. I am excited. I had a nice time last week at Temple University on our field trip to see Bill Cosby. I am glad I came to the center. Everyone is so nice.

About The Best Day of My Life So Far

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About This Blog

Lovingly narrated by Best Day Founder Benita Cooper and our Philadelphia Senior Center group's Lead Facilitator Caitlin Cieri, this blog is our invitation to you to hear the stories told every week at the first ever Best Day group, which began meeting at a borrowed basement office in 2009, and has inspired satellite groups across the country. Click to see how a phone call with her grandma inspired Benita to build our organization.

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